Looking forward to a strong 2025 season, Filipino Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena shared that he is fully recovered from a mid-year lower back injury.
Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena is looking ahead to a promising 2025.
In a recent Instagram post, the world’s No. 4 pole vaulter shared that he has fully recovered from a lower back injury, sustained mid-year, following a consultation with Dr. Alessandro Napoli.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey,” the two-time Olympian wrote on social media.
Back in August, the 28-year-old announced that he would not complete his 2024 season after placing fifth at the Silesia Diamond League.
“I intended to compete in three more competitions (ISTAF Berlin, Zurich Diamond League, and Diamond League Final) before flying back to Manila. However, during the Silesia Diamond League this past weekend, the same back pain that has bothered me all season flared up. Due to the continual spasms, I couldn’t finish my last few attempts,” he shared.
“I immediately went to my doctor in Italy, and the MRI revealed what appeared to be a stress fracture in my spine. Unfortunately, a later CAT scan confirmed the diagnosis. I have a fractured L5 vertebra,” he revealed.
It was the same injury that had nagged him just before the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
[ALSO READ: “I couldn't move right away” | EJ Obiena reveals details on spine injury prior to Paris 2024 campaign]
After getting clearance from his doctor, Obiena is set to return to competition in January for the indoor season.
“I have been MIA here because I have been focusing myself on getting back into shape and be ready by January! Here’s to the start of the 2025 season!” he concluded.
In August, Obiena cut short his 2024 season to recover from the injury. He vowed he would be back.
Looks like the Nation's Boyfriend would be fulfilling that promise.